In public relations, staying on top of industry trends and improving your strategy might feel like a full-time job. As someone who has spent years navigating the PR world, I know how difficult it can be to keep current while juggling client demands, deadlines, and a personal life. Podcasts are useful in this situation. Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite methods to remain up to date on PR issues ranging from crisis management techniques to media relations advice.
These podcasts enable you to learn on the move, absorbing insights from some of the brightest minds in public relations while doing something as basic as commuting, cooking, or going for a walk. Below, I’ve rounded up ten must-listen PR podcasts for 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned PR pro or just starting, these podcasts will inspire you, offer actionable strategies, and provide fresh perspectives to keep you at the top of your game.
Key Takeaways
- PR podcasts offer a convenient way for professionals to stay informed on industry trends, strategies, and insights without needing dedicated study time. They fit seamlessly into busy schedules, enabling learning during everyday tasks like commuting or cooking.
- Guesting on niche podcasts allows PR professionals and brands to reach a highly relevant audience, increasing brand awareness and trust with their ideal customers. This focused exposure can be more effective than broad media features on traditional outlets, aligning content with a specific listener base.
- Many PR podcasts provide listeners with practical, real-world tips and strategies shared by PR leaders. From refining media pitches to managing crisis communications, these insights are directly applicable to a listener’s professional life.
- When selecting a PR podcast, it’s important to consider factors like the authority of hosts, relevance of content, engaging format, consistent frequency, and listener interaction opportunities. These elements enhance the learning experience and help listeners stay updated with relevant PR strategies and trends.
What is PR Podcast ?
PR Podcast is a method for getting guest interviews on podcasts that your customers routinely listen to. This may also be referred to as “podcast guesting” or “podcast tour.”
As a podcast guest, you will have 30+ minutes of concentrated attention to create awareness of yourself and your business, build trust with your ideal customers, and motivate them to take action. It’s not like a feature on Bloomberg or Forbes. While those advertisements reach a broad audience, those readers/followers represent a diverse range of demographics, which means your placement may be wasted on an audience that isn’t right for your brand.
Podcast PR allows you to select the best episodes for your company, which helps to ensure you don’t waste time talking to the wrong audience. It’s much more focused so the effort you put into a 30-minute interview has a higher probability of meeting your awareness goals.
The more interviews you land within a short period, the more likely your ideal listeners are to see your name in their podcast feeds. And the more they see your name, the more they’ll perceive you and your brand as leaders in your space. This is why so many brands are taking advantage of the powers of a podcast tour. This guide below will walk you through how to maximize the benefits of the content calendar, keep consistent with learning goals, and enhance your PR strategies through carefully selected podcast episodes.
Top Pr Podcast And Why You Should Listen To Them
Below are few out of many reasons why PR professionals should tune into Podcasts
#1. Convenience Meets Continuous Learning
One of the things I love most about podcasts is that they fit right into my daily routine. I used to think I had to set aside specific “study” time to learn new strategies, but with podcasts, I can seamlessly turn my commute or morning coffee into a mini masterclass. This kind of flexible learning is a lifesaver when my schedule is packed.
#2. Diverse Insights from PR Industry Leaders
These podcasts feature guests from many aspects of the public relations industry, including agency experts, in-house specialists, media professionals, and even brand managers. These diverse perspectives have helped me understand how different public relations methods play out in real-world settings and industries. Sometimes a guest may offer a PR strategy that is exactly what I need for a project, and I can use it right away.
#3. Staying Current with Trends
PR is an industry characterized by constant change. Whether it’s changes in media consumption or the emergence of new communication platforms, staying current is critical. Podcasts frequently discuss current subjects such as how artificial intelligence is influencing public relations or how social issues effect company communication. Listening keeps me proactive, allowing me to recognize trends before they become widespread.
#4. Actionable Tips And Strategies
Hosts and guests on PR podcasts frequently share practical, actionable advice that listeners can immediately incorporate into their work. Whether it’s tips for improving media pitches or refining a social media strategy, these insights are designed for real-world application.
#5. Community And Networking Opportunities
Many podcasts foster a sense of community by engaging listeners on social media or through live Q&A sessions. Engaging with hosts, fellow listeners, and guest speakers can expand your professional network and lead to valuable connections and collaborations.
Criteria For Choosing The Best PR Podcasts
Here are a few things I put into consideration while choosing a podcast
#1. Authority of Hosts and Guests
Choose podcasts hosted by competent and experienced public relations professionals. Reputable hosts and industry specialists offer significant insights based on real-world experience, making their advice more credible and applicable.
#2. Content Relevance
Look for podcasts that cover timely, practical PR topics like media relations, crisis management, and digital communication strategies. Choosing events that keep up with current industry trends ensures that you learn tactics and techniques that are relevant to today’s PR challenges.
#3: Engagement And Format
The best podcasts are fascinating and easy to follow, frequently using storytelling to help listeners comprehend complex topics. Consider aspects such as episode length and pacing. Some listeners prefer shorter episodes for quick insights, while others want in-depth conversations about certain themes.
#4: Frequency And Consistency
A trustworthy podcast has a consistent posting schedule, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Regular episodes indicate that the creators are committed to giving current content, making it easier for listeners to stay up with ongoing developments in PR.
#5. Listener Community And Interaction
Many PR podcasts build a sense of community by engaging with listeners on social media or through live events and Q&A sessions. These opportunities for interaction can be a valuable way to discuss episodes, ask questions, and connect with other PR professionals, enriching the learning experience.
Examples Of Top Pr Podcast
PR professionals are constantly looking for methods to be motivated and more productive, and, like many others, they are increasingly listening to podcasts while working. Podcasts are a fantastic medium for busy working people since they can be consumed on the move, whether on the commute, at the gym, while cooking, or during other activities.
As public relations practitioners, we must develop the ability to see things from the perspective of others. Seeking and absorbing knowledge about the world around us allows us to broaden our perspectives and understand more about the sectors we work in. Here’s a list of the top ten PR podcasts I suggest. Each has something unique to contribute, ranging from practical advice to overarching viewpoints.
#1. Become A Media Maven with Christina Nicholson
If you’re not sure when to invest time and money in your business, Christina Nicholson’s podcast, Become a Media Maven, explains the principles of DIY PR. The show empowers listeners to invest in themselves, gain brand awareness, and boost revenue through sales and leads. Nicholson, a former TV reporter turned PR agency owner, reveals her journey from novice to professional, providing straight and genuine counsel to her audience.
With over 200 episodes, the podcast will help listeners improve their public relations knowledge and apply it to their brand. Nicholson goes beyond talking about media exposure to provide essential tools for PR professionals, including results, problems, challenges, and how to make wise investments in yourself. If you’re discovering the podcast for the first time, check out the episode titled ‘Changing Your Mindset About Money’ where Nicholson shares her experiences with money anxiety and offers three solutions to overcome that mindset.
#2. The PR Week With Steve & Frank
PRWeek hosts interesting weekly debates with significant personalities in the PR and communications industries, covering a wide range of themes and subjects. While there is a large library of previous episodes to peruse, keeping up with the most recent episodes is highly recommended because they frequently discuss current events. This podcast combines news, observations, and interviews with industry leaders. It functions almost like a weekly briefing, keeping me up to date on the newest PR trends and industry news.
The PR Week website states: “Tune in each week as PRWeek editorial director Steve Barrett and executive editor Frank Washkuch conduct in-depth interviews with notable guests and run down the week’s top news stories.” Keeping up with new episodes offers significant insights and perspectives on the most recent developments in the field of PR and communications.
#3. Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson
Molly McPherson, APR, has decades of expertise as a crisis communications expert. Her show is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their crisis communication skills and learn from real-life examples. Molly’s podcast seeks to teach communicators how to efficiently manage crises and establish an indestructible reputation. She provides real-life examples, case studies, and practical advice on all elements of public relations and crisis communications, making her podcast an invaluable resource for PR professionals and everyone interested in the industry.
Molly has over two decades of expertise in public relations and corporate communications, and she has built a reputation for guiding individuals and businesses through difficult situations and emerging stronger. She is also a regular speaker and writer on topics related to crisis communications, reputation management, and social media.
#4. PRmoment Podcast With Ben Smith
The PRmoment Podcast is a podcast series on the public relations sector in the UK. It covers a variety of issues, including crisis management, influencer marketing, internal communications, and social media. The podcast offers conversations with leading public relations professionals, journalists, and media specialists. It attempts to provide insights and opinions on the UK’s growing public relations landscape.
The podcast is hosted by Ben Smith, the founder and CEO of PRmoment.com, a UK-based public relations news and commentary website. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the public relations sector and is well-known in the UK PR world. In addition, he delivers webinars and events for the UK public relations business.
#5. The Hanson & Hunt Podcast with Arik & Kevin
The Talking Points Podcast is a prominent podcast that covers public relations, marketing, and communications. It provides important news, trends, and recommendations for industry professionals, with each episode focusing on a different topic. This podcast is hosted by Arik Hanson and Kevin Hunt, two seasoned public relations and communications professionals.
Arik Hanson is the founder and principal of ACH Communications, a PR consulting firm based in Minneapolis. He has over 20 years of expertise in the public relations sector and is a well-known thought leader and speaker. He also writes the blog Communications Conversations, which covers public relations and social media subjects.
Kevin Hunt is a senior communications strategist with more than 25 years of experience in the field. He currently serves as the vice president of corporate communications at General Mills, a leading food company. He has previously worked at several other Fortune 500 companies, including Target, Best Buy, and Cargill.
Together, Arik and Kevin offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the PR and communications industry. Thus, making The Talking Points Podcast a must-listen for anyone seeking to stay informed.
#6. For Immediate Release (FIR) Podcast
For Immediate Release (FIR), hosted by Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson, is another top PR podcast that looks into numerous facets of communication and public relations, providing in-depth talks and expert analysis for both seasoned professionals and newbies to the business.
The For Immediate Release podcast covers public relations methods, communication trends, and social media approaches. It’s great for public relations professionals who want to have in-depth talks and practical guidance. The podcast also discusses important parts of public relations, such as press release suggestions and publicity methods, making it a useful resource for boosting your PR initiatives.
Immediate Release also includes media monitoring tools and tactics, which are vital for measuring the effectiveness of your public relations activities and altering your strategies accordingly. The podcast’s focus on PR outreach and media exposure makes it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their media engagement.
#7. The PRovoke Podcast with PRovoke Media
The Provoke Podcast is ideal for PR professionals who want to learn about a variety of topics rather than particular how-tos. The program is hosted by PRovoke Media editors and covers a wide range of topics, including ‘PR Succession Lines And The Next Generation Of Leaders,’ ‘PR in Ukraine, One Year After the Invasion,’ and ‘Breaking Through The B2B Through Leadership Noise.’ While the topics are wide, each 25 to 30-minute episode focuses on a single story.
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about the worldwide public relations industry and how it intersects with social and political issues. They investigate how public relations changes these stories to help listeners better comprehend their surroundings by focusing on current events.
#8. The Spin Sucks Podcast with Gini Dietrich
The Spin Sucks Podcast is a self-proclaimed “one-stop shop for modern communications” that surely lives up to its name. Gini Dietrich, a seasoned professional and the originator of the well-known PESO model, hosts the podcast. It feels casual and humorous, but she delivers valuable information for public relations and thought leadership. The appeal of this podcast is that each episode lasts only around 10 minutes, but Dietrich provides practical advice through examples and her personal experience. She becomes your mentor, offering honest advice without complicating matters.
I enjoy how she addresses real-world issues that we all encounter in the field, such as managing client expectations and analyzing PR ROI. While there are many episodes that
helpful and engaging, we recommend you start here with ‘Reputation Is Everything. Your Crisis Communications Plans Can Protect It.’ Dietrich explains why investing resources in a crisis plan is like having reputational insurance.
#9. Pitch Perfect with Jaimie Abbott
Jaimie Abbott is a public speaker and public relations professional, so the Pitch Perfect podcast is ideal for anyone looking for a dynamic discussion about PR and effective methods. It delves into creative marketing strategies, addressing new concepts and what works in business. The weekly podcast features enlightening chats with experts in the area, engaging conversations, and practical recommendations for your work.
Rather of focusing solely on storytelling and income, Abbott tackles personal and business finance, as well as good leadership. To begin, listen to episode 63, ‘Your 5 Step RESET by Delegating & Outsourcing’, where Michelle Broadbent, a seasoned business strategist, addresses time management for company and personal life, whether that’s outsourcing an accountant for your firm or a cleaner for your home.
#10. Inside PR with Gini Dietrich, Joseph Thornley, & Martin Waxman
Inside PR is part of the For Immediate Release network, sometimes known as the ‘podcast for communicators’. If you enjoy the Spins Sucks podcast, it follows a similar format, with bi-weekly discussions about communications, social media, digital marketing, and how PR fits in. Gini Dietrich (host of Spins Sucks), Joseph Thornley, and Martin Waxman, all communications strategists, co-host the show.
Begin with episode 157, when they discuss their top tools for communications experts. They provide useful information about project management tools and how to implement them, whether you operate remotely or prefer traditional ways.
What Are The PR Trends in 2024?
Digital public relations strategies now dominate, with internet platforms, social media, and digital content leading the way to reach a larger yet more targeted audience. This shift is driven by the awareness that today’s stakeholders, from customers to investors, are increasingly online and seeking individualized and adapted information to their needs.
With technology such as AI and data analytics incorporated into digital PR initiatives, B2B companies can execute at scale while delivering hyper-targeted messages to increase engagement.
These competencies serve as the foundation for public relations developments in 2024. In the following section, I’ll delve deeper into these patterns and how to incorporate them into your plan.
#1. Data As a Key PR Driver
Data is important to the future of public relations. By 2024, B2B public relations will largely rely on analytics and big data to understand and engage certain audience segments. This will entail studying customer habits, media consumption patterns, and engagement indicators more thoroughly than ever before to precisely target PR initiatives.
#2. Increased Focus on Thought Leadership
B2B companies are increasingly leveraging public relations to distinguish themselves as market leaders. Companies can gain credibility and authority in their industry by sharing smart material and expert perspectives. This method not only increases brand visibility, but it also creates trust and loyalty among stakeholders.
This focus on thought leadership is no doubt a break from traditional (and now outdated) emphasis on direct brand promotion. Instead, a company’s expertise and insight speak for themselves, demonstrating to audiences they can trust the brand to deliver effective solutions.
#3. Personalized Media Relations
Today, over half of all journalists receive ten or more media proposals per day. More than 25% of them receive 26 or more media proposals per day. This is, of course, due to the simplicity and speed with which digital channels can be pitched, as well as the fact that the era of one-size-fits-all PR pitches is ending.
In 2024, public relations specialists will prioritize individualized media relations, developing bespoke pitches for specific journalists and media outlets. This technique boosts the likelihood of media coverage because the content is more relevant and compelling to each media contact’s target audience.
#4. Integration of AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are becoming integral to PR. These technologies aid in media monitoring, trend analysis, and predictive modeling, enabling PR campaigns to be more strategic and impactful.
According to study, AI is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on public relations, including research and list building, performance monitoring and measurement, writing, reporting, pitching, and strategy and planning. In 2024, an organization’s capacity to stay current with these fast-changing AI technologies and trends will likely influence the level of PR success it can accomplish.
#5: Increased Importance of CSR and ESG
This public relations trend is not new, but it is still as relevant now as it was a few years ago, when it first emerged. CSR and ESG issues remain a public relations focus. B2B organizations must communicate not only their commercial accomplishments but also their fundamental values and how they live up to them by making a positive impact.
Further, threading ESG and CSR action and values into public relations must be an organic and always-on priority—not something done once in an annual ESG report. At the same time, audiences are increasingly expecting companies to take a public position on timely issues, meaning PR teams must have a formal policy in place on how those situations are handled as well as how statements are developed and shared.
To Sum Up
Adding podcasts to your professional toolset is a game changer. This is because they provide a continual supply of inspiration, practical ideas, and the most recent trends from industry professionals. Whether you want to improve your crisis communication abilities, master media relations, or keep on top of digital PR, there is a podcast on our list that can assist.
So grab your earbuds, choose one of these podcasts, and prepare to revolutionize your public relations approach. What is the best part? You can start studying right now, whether you’re on a coffee break, commuting, or finishing up for the day.
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